Do to the rain we had this week, the water level in the Blackstone have risen dramatically. So for the first time this year we were able to paddle up the canal in Lincoln . The Blackstone Canal was a 45-mile man-made waterway that linked Providence to Worcester . On October 7, 1828 the Lady Carrington made the first voyage up the canal. The canal would remain open for only 20 years before the advent of the railroad and natural problems would make the canal obsolete.  Launching into the canal and leaving the noise from Front Street behind, the group passing through the quieter areas of wooded suburbia. During our time in the canal large sycamores leaned overhead and squirrels raced around looking for that last nut they may have missed before the winter snows arrive. The glass like water held its own secrets as the kayaks cut through the fallen autumn leaves. A turtle sitting on a log trying to catch that last warm rays of sunlight and a fish breaking the surface were seen.

At Ashton Dam, we portage over into the Blackstone River replacing the quiet waters of the canal with the quick waters of the Blackstone River . Paddling passed a pair of fly fishermen; I look over towards the bike path and realize that the park has come of age. In this one small area there are people fishing and paddling on the river. There are cyclists riding by, people out running, and families out walking. Over at the once abandon mill now turned residential, people are out grilling, carving pumpkins and enjoying the outdoors. Even the wildlife seems to know, as small rafts of mallard and wood ducks take flight with the passing of the boats.

The water picks up at the new Martin Street Bridge; staying river right we paddle threw two to three foot waves as people on the bike path watch. Further down stream another area of quick water sends us racing around the right side of an island. Seeing that the split at Pratt's Dam is still to low, we continue along the main river course to the takeout for Pratt's dam. Inspecting the "Tubes" of Pratt's Dam, we find that all of them are blocked with a tree and branches. Reluctantly we take the long portage around the dam, reentering the river and head down stream to our takeout.